McDonald’s trials Google-backed AI ordering system for drive-thrus

McDonald’s is trialing a new AI system capable of handling drive-thru orders and assisting restaurant operations.

According to Restaurant Business, the system — named ArchIQ and nicknamed “Archy” — debuted at McDonald’s Worldwide convention. It’s currently being tested at five U.S. locations, though the company hasn’t disclosed which restaurants.

A video posted on X by a McDonald’s franchise owner showed the system greeting customers, handling order modifications, displaying the final total, and directing customers to pull forward for pickup.

A demonstration shared on X via the franchisee account McFranchisee showed the system taking orders in both English and Spanish. According to the account, the system has processed over one million transactions, with roughly 90% of orders completed without needing staff intervention.

The same account noted that ArchIQ can respond when returning customers request their usual order. McDonald’s hasn’t shared technical details on how that feature works.

ArchIQ is being developed in partnership with Google. According to McFranchisee, U.S. McDonald’s restaurants are receiving Google Edge Cloud blades in preparation for the rollout.

McDonald’s earlier AI ordering test

ArchIQ represents McDonald’s latest AI trial for drive-thru ordering. The company previously partnered with IBM on an automated ordering system deployed across more than 100 restaurants.

McDonald’s ended that pilot in 2024 following customer complaints about order errors. After the IBM test, customer videos surfaced showing incorrect orders, including one instance where the system reportedly added over $250 worth of chicken nuggets.

After ending the IBM partnership, McDonald’s stated it would continue exploring voice ordering technology.

Support for restaurant operations

ArchIQ goes beyond customer ordering. McFranchisee said it can monitor restaurants and alert managers to potential issues.

According to McFranchisee, the system can notify managers if a freezer fails. It can also identify kitchen bottlenecks or other issues requiring attention.

McFranchisee described ArchIQ as both an ordering tool and a management support tool.

This test is part of McDonald’s new growth initiative called “McDonald’s > NEXT.” The company said the plan aims to improve restaurant operations and unit economics.

McDonald’s reported a substantial digital customer base in its 2025 results. The company said systemwide sales to loyalty members across 70 markets increased 20% to nearly US$37 billion in 2025, while 90-day active loyalty users rose 19% to nearly 210 million by year-end.

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a press release that the strategy targets the company’s next phase of growth and productivity.

The company has also mentioned restaurant upgrades and possible menu changes under the same plan, but hasn’t provided detailed information.

Automation and service

In a company memo, Kempczinski noted that more of the customer journey is becoming automated, reducing opportunities for guests to interact with crew members. He said this raises the bar for hospitality when customers do interact with staff.

QSR Magazine’s 2025 Drive-Thru Report, citing Revenue Management Solutions, stated that drive-thru traffic remained negative month after month, hovering between minus 5% and minus 8% in 2025.

Other fast-food chains, including Taco Bell and Wendy’s, have also announced AI-powered drive-thru ordering systems.

Jonathan Maze, editor-in-chief of Restaurant Business, told ABC News that companies often present drive-thru automation as a way to free up employees for other tasks. The McFranchisee account said the system could reduce the need for workers to take orders in noisy drive-thru lanes.

Some X users responding to the ArchIQ demonstration said they preferred interacting with human workers. Others supported a more automated ordering process.

McDonald’s hasn’t said when ArchIQ might expand beyond the five test locations. The company has stated the system is designed to improve speed and accuracy while supporting customers and crew.

The company’s AI drive-thru system remains in limited testing.

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